She is used to selling replica kits to fans but on Sunday, a childhood dream will come true when Ffion Price dons the colours of her beloved club when Cardiff City take on Swansea City.
As a former worker in the club shop, Ffion was responsible for making sure supporters were wearing the newest strip of the Bluebirds.
But after being announced as their latest signing, she is joining the club that she has supported from a young age.
“I’ve always grown up supporting Cardiff, which was massively influenced by my dad and two brothers,” said Price.
“To be able to play for the club is brilliant, I’m really excited.
“I used to always go to away days and being able to work in Cardiff at the club shop, I was able to see what goes on behind the team.
“Everything that goes on, the staff, players, you get to build some great relationships. It was good to see Cardiff from a different perspective.”
Having now joined her girlhood club, Price has set her sights on success with the Bluebirds.
Last season, the capital based side reached the semi-finals of the both the League Cup and Women’s Cup.
And with the addition of Price, who has had experience in training with the Welsh national team, as well as some high-profile signings, the club could be ready to loosen the grip of Cardiff Met and Swansea City.
“They’re such a talented team. Hopefully, we can push to achieve Champions League.”
“Hopefully, we can push for that spot and challenge to win some cups. There’s loads of opportunities to hopefully get some silverware at this club.”
There is arguably no bigger baptism of fire in football than making your debut in a derby, especially when you’re a supporter.
Swansea City are entering the season as the defending champions after winning the Welsh Premier Women’s League title.
Unphased by the challenge ahead and entering her first derby as a player, Price insists she is relishing the prospect of facing the Swans.
“We’re going to try and take every game as it comes but especially because it’s a derby, there’s a bit of history and everyone wants to compete. In my eyes, being a Cardiff fan, it’s a really big game for me.
“With it being on TV, I think there’s a little bit of added pressure. Everyone wants to do well because loads of people are watching.
“We’ve been training how we have and worked really hard with the staff. We’re just going to go out there and give it all we’ve got.”
Digwyddiad hanesyddol 👊
— ⚽ Sgorio (@sgorio) September 24, 2020
Darbi De Cymru 🙌@CardiffCityFCW v @SwansLadies
Yn fyw ar @S4C ddydd Sul am 3.50. pic.twitter.com/wKNmC7TvhS
In an added incentive to win the derby, the game will be shown live on Sgorio, marking the first Women’s Welsh Premier League game to be shown on television.
Ian Darbyshire’s latest recruit, Ffion Price, believes this weekend’s derby is a significant step in the growth of the women’s game.
Price added: “It’s massive. Loads of people watch Sgorio, it’s a great platform, especially to grow women’s football even further and all the sponsorships.
“It’s a great chance to show how good women’s football actually is and how far we’ve come on. It’s great to be able to play on TV, it’s brilliant for all my friends and family.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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